Guide Note

A baseball is a small, hard ball that is hit with a bat in the sport of baseball.

Fast Facts

1. Patented in the late 19th century
2. Between 9" and 9¼ " in circumference
3. Weighs 5 ounces
4. Developed by: A.G. Spalding
5. Common Uses: Playing the game of Baseball
6. Made from: Cork, Rubber, Leather, Plastic, Cotton Thread
7. Price Range: $5.00 to $20.00 each

In it's earliest history of the game, one baseball was used for the entirety of a game. After the on-field death of player Ray Chapman in 1920, it was determined unsafe to use balls that were not clean and completely white to aid in vision. With balls being routinely hit into stands, the baseball has become a revered piece of souvenir for a game. Typically a ball has a corked center and is wrapped tightly in thread. The outer shell of the ball is leather and the ball is tied together in red cotton thread. Throughout the years, pitchers have learned to use the outer thread as a way to grip the ball to enhance the projection, or the pitch.

The Official Baseball used in major league baseball games is made by Rawlings. The balls are white with red cotton threading. The ball is clearly stamped as Official Major League Baseball and has the official Major League Baseball logo and the signature of the Commissioner stamped on the baseball.

1. Rawlings
2. Wilson
3. Nike